ajjawi-whataretheperceived-2010.pdf (2.48 MB)
What are the perceived learning needs of Australian general practice registrars for quality prescribing?
journal contribution
posted on 2010-01-01, 00:00 authored by Rola AjjawiRola Ajjawi, J E Thistlethwaite, P Aslani, N B CoolingBACKGROUND: Little is known about the perceived learning needs of Australian general practice (GP) registrars in relation to the quality use of medicines (QUM) or the difficulties experienced when learning to prescribe. This study aimed to address this gap. METHODS: GP registrars' perceived learning needs were investigated through an online national survey, interviews and focus groups. Medical educators' perceptions were canvassed in semi-structured interviews in order to gain a broader perspective of the registrars' needs. Qualitative data analysis was informed by a systematic framework method involving a number of stages. Survey data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: The two most commonly attended QUM educational activities took place in the workplace and through regional training providers. Outside of these structured educational activities, registrars learned to prescribe mainly through social and situated means. Difficulties encountered by GP registrars included the transition from hospital prescribing to prescribing in the GP context, judging how well they were prescribing and identifying appropriate and efficient sources of information at the point of care. CONCLUSIONS: GP registrars learn to prescribe primarily and opportunistically in the workplace. Despite many resources being expended on the provision of guidelines, decision-support systems and training, GP registrars expressed difficulties related to QUM. Ways of easing the transition into GP and of managing the information 'overload' related to medicines (and prescribing) in an evidence-guided, efficient and timely manner are needed. GP registrars should be provided with explicit feedback about the process and outcomes of prescribing decisions, including the use of audits, in order to improve their ability to judge their own prescribing.
History
Journal
BMC medical educationVolume
10Season
Article Number : 92Article number
92Pagination
1 - 7Publisher
BioMed CentralLocation
London, Eng.Publisher DOI
eISSN
1472-6920Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2010, BioMed CentralUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
AdultAttitude of Health PersonnelAustraliaCross-Cultural ComparisonCurriculumData CollectionFemaleFocus GroupsGeneral PracticeHealth Services Needs and DemandHumansInternetMaleMedical Staff, HospitalPractice Patterns, Physicians'PrescriptionsSocial SciencesEducation & Educational ResearchEducation, Scientific DisciplinesADVERSE DRUG EVENTSMEDICATION ERRORSCLINICAL-PRACTICEJUNIOR DOCTORSPRESCRIPTIONINFORMATIONINTERVENTIONSPHARMACISTSDECISIONSGPS
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